Don’t Derail the School Year: How to Stay Safe from Fentanyl and Opioids on Campus

As students sharpen their pencils and pick out their first-day outfits, there’s one item that’s often overlooked on the back-to-school checklist: safety awareness. With fentanyl now the leading cause of death for Americans ages 18–45, it’s more critical than ever to be vigilant, informed, and empowered. 

This school year, #Don’tRiskItAll is here to keep it real — your life matters. You've got so much to look forward to: Friday night lights, homecoming hype, prom vibes, new besties, and graduation goals. Don’t let one risky choice take it all away. Stay safe and make this year unforgettable — for all the right reasons. 

What You Should Know About Fentanyl 

• It’s strong: Just 2 mg of fentanyl—about the size of a few grains of salt—can be deadly [^1]. 

• It’s sneaky: Fentanyl is often mixed into counterfeit pills made to look like Xanax, Percocet, Adderall or other drugs, and it can’t be detected by sight, smell, or taste [^2]. 

• It’s easy to get caught up in: These pills are often sold via social media, and classmates may already be selling [^3]. 

  
  

How You Can Stay Safe 

• Don’t share or take pills that weren’t prescribed to you. 

• Ask questions if you hear friends talking about “blues,” “perc,” or other slang for pills. 

• Stay alert at school events and parties—fentanyl can turn up anywhere. 

• Use your voice: Let a trusted adult know if you see or hear something concerning. 

• Carry Naloxone (Narcan) if you’re of age and trained—it can reverse an overdose and save a life [^4]. 

  
  

Your Life Matters 

Talking about the dangers of fentanyl isn’t about freaking you out — it’s about keeping you safe, informed, and looking out for each other. A new school year is here, and it’s full of potential. Just know this: you matter, big time. And if you ever need help, you're never alone — support is always within reach.  

For more information, resources, and training opportunities, visit DontRiskItAll.com. 

Let’s stay curious. Stay connected. And above all—#Don’tRiskItAll. 

Sources 

[^1]: U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. (2022). Facts about Fentanyl. https://www.dea.gov/factsheets/fentanyl 

 [^2]: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2023). Counterfeit pills fact sheet. 

 [^3]: U.S. Department of Justice. (2021). Social Media and Fentanyl Distribution. 

 [^4]: National Harm Reduction Coalition. (2023). Naloxone Overview.